While the characters are fictitious, some of their traits may be based on people I know.

Chris Arneson – 4 December 2017

The Back Flap

How have certain, significant moments in your life heightened or quelled your fears? Why do we fear a certain collection of things while another individual holds different fears? Are these fears based on our experiences and surroundings or are they innate, born into us, things that are beyond our control?
Some things occur that are beyond our control, such as meeting certain people that will change our lives forever. You never know when that moment is coming or who that person will be, however, so it is critical to always carry an open heart. By walking around with an open heart, you are indicating to the world that you are ready to make the next step to reach your full potential.

Anyway, the morning after my whole family slept in my father’s Dodge pickup truck, we were out eating breakfast by the campfire. My dad was shrewd enough to bring some kindling wood and a box of matches so we were able to have at least half of a normal camping experience. We were all eating bacon and eggs around the campfire, sitting in our comfy chairs, one happy family. It was a tremendous breakfast, one of the best ones I had in my whole life. Afterwards, my father pulled me to the side to have a private, father to son type of chat. We walked about five minutes from the campsite to a breathtaking clearing in the trees, where the Atlantic Ocean was somehow, impossibly visible far off in the distance. I could hear seagulls calling out to the heavens.

About the book

What is the book about?

This book is about the trials and tribulations of a family who relocates to a small New England town.

When did you start writing the book?

I started writing the book in the beginning of November, 2016.

How long did it take you to write it?

It took me about two weeks to write it.

Where did you get the idea from?

The idea for this book stemmed from a combination of personal experience and media consumption.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

The hardest part to write was the end.

What came easily?

The beginning was the easiest.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

While the characters are fictitious, some of their traits may be based on people I know.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

I think people love reading because it’s a means of escape. It allows us to travel to new worlds, immerse ourselves into the lives of heroic or villainous characters, and get away from the stress of everyday life.

In the past, I have worked with the majors, including the New York Times and Dell Publishing. But I love the family feel of a small publishing house. Laura Baumbach, my publisher for this and other books, is an award-winning author in her own right.